Historical Incidents

Incident Summary

Date
2025-03-14
Location
Burnt Trees
Location Description
Outside of the Lake Louise ski area
Province
AB
Coordinates
51.47826 °, 116.16850 °
Elevation
2100 m
Activity
Out-of-bounds skiing
Involvement
1
Injury
0
Fatality
1
Description
After skiing Pipestone Bowl (terrain which is outside of the Lake Louise ski area), two skiers were working back to the ski area in their downhill gear with skins. At approximately 1500 hrs, the party triggered an avalanche that propagated to the steeper terrain overhead, and the second skier in the party was caught. He was carried 50 m and buried 150-200 cm deep. The partner conducted a transceiver search, extricated the skier, initiated first aid, and activated 911. Parks Canada Visitor Safety evacuated the party to Emergency Medical Services. The skier did not survive.

Avalanches

Date/TimeSizeTypeTriggerElevationAspectSlab widthSlab Thickness
2.5SSa2100 mNW300 m100 cm

Weather

Present TempMax TempMin Temp24hr TrendWind SpeedWind DirectionSky ConditionPrecipitation Type & Intensity
--------

Snowpack

Snowpack24hr SnowStorm SnowStorm Date
----

Documents

Document DateTitleSource
2025-03-14Photo of the avalanche with a red dot indicating the approximate trigger point. Notably, there are small to medium sized trees in the start zone and track.Parks Canadaview